i got a picture of my daughters Karyotype from her doctor, and as all proud parents we showed it to everyone! "Look , just look at the beautiful 21st chromosome!!" Hey, not everyone can brag about their childs chromosomes :) Again thanks for this post!!

RETRAIN THEM I SAY! They need the right answers too. INFORMED information that is accurate and unbiased not she will never walk or she likely will DIE or she has 'IT' in every cell so she will not be able to survive when in fact SHE WILL and will THRIVE.

If you are looking for balanced information quickly please see www.downsyndromepregnancy.com. It is a website that has a FREE and downloadable information packet about Down syndrome that was put together by parents, medical professional, therapists and several Down syndrome organizations. The website also has forums to discuss issues too.

Also available is a brochure for friends and families of people learning about a diagnosis of a child with Down syndrome.

Also contact your local DS support group by google or the National Down Syndrome Society at www.ndss.org or Club 21 at www.clubtwentyone.org.

I hope things are turning, that it's getting understood that people with DS can have fulfilling lives. Whenever there start to be more born, that'll be the real proof, I guess.In the past few years, I've noticed more adults with DS out in the world. There might be more, but I figure it's just as likely they were there and now I'm just more tuned in to disability.I figure (but never asked) that a good friend of mine back in high school has Noonan syndrome. Even though a lot was noticeable, I never think of her being disabled unless the discussion is disability. Otherwise, she's just, you know, her -- and it was like that to me from the beginning, afaik. Based on some brief interactions with her parents alone, I got the feeling they were told horror stories much like those common with parents of kids with DS. Last I knew, she was working part-time at a retirement home... and loving it. She's more than her face, her eyes, her height, her math skills. And so are people with Down syndrome. Horrible that there are people who would hold (and have held) these folks back, even (in the case of DS, especially) encouraged the potential parents not to allow them be born. Worse still that many of these people hold credentials that make them more likely to be listened to.

I love you Dave, Please let me know when you will be in the US, hopefully New England (it is beautiful here)Boston would be a great stop for you!! The link below is a brochure that was based on a questionaire for parents that knew prenatally (sp) about the Down Syndrom diagnosis. I'm Susan from Cranston, RI and they actually used part of my answer as the title of the brochure! Very honored indeed! My daughter Haley is almost 16, has friends, sleepovers, people in her life that ADORE her!! I have been sooo blessed since she has come into our lives! Hope you enjoy the brochure!

I think it is very true that a lot of people can only look at an individual with an intellectual disability such as Down syndrome, by what is documented or by test and not see the person as a living human.

Disability Pride

Dedication

About Me

Joe and I live in an apartment right smack dab in the center of Toronto. I have worked in the field of disability since graduating from university over 30 years ago. I became disabled a few years ago now and use a wheelchair when out in the world. For those interested, most of my books are available through www.diverse-city.com and if you are wishing to book a lecture or consultation you may do so by emailing daveandjoe@hotmail.com

Best Health Blog 2010

Requiem

There are those who have affected the course of my work and my career. I wish to remember them here:

Stella Young

Manuela Dalla Nora

Bob Clayton

Viktor Frankl

Robert Sovner

Marsha Forrest

Terry Haslam

John Money

Susan Tough

Sol Gordon

Winnifred Kempton

I believe that we should speak often and well of those who passed our way and whose lives gifted us. Here in this space I wish to memorialize those whose lived lives in service to those with disabilities.